Kirinyaga residents decry noise pollution from bars

Over 200 residents of Ngurubani in Mwea Kirinyaga County have petitioned the county and national government over licensing of bars near schools and churches in the area.

The residents accused the county government of giving licences to bars operating near homes, schools and churches, which has led to noise pollution in the area.

Speaking after handing their petition to the Mwea Deputy County Commissioner on Saturday, the residents said they have had enough, adding that if the county government does not act they will hold demos until the matter is addressed.

“We have brought a petition to the OCPD to oppose the issue of bars being given licences to operate in areas where they’re not supposed to. We will also take a petition to the governor… the clubs are next to schools and churches, which is not right,” said one of the residents.

Addressing the residents, the chairman of the liquor licence board in Kirinyaga County, Mr Myamu Mwara, said they will address the issue, noting that the bars that they have received complaints about will be closed.

“The bars that were here when I took charge of the board were 3050 in number and now they are down to 780. And we will continue to reduce the number further,” he pledged.